Police arrest ride operator, staff in Surajkund swing collapse case | India News

New Delhi: After a huge ‘Tsunami’ ride suddenly crashed mid-air at Faridabad’s Surajkund Chowk, killing an inspector on duty and injuring 12 others, police on Sunday arrested the swing operator and one of his staff. The incident took place during the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Festival on Saturday night. About 19 people were on the ride, which suddenly tilted and fell to the ground. Inspector Jagdish Prasad, 58, died while trying to rescue people trapped on a swing, officials said. He joined the Haryana Armed Police in 1989 and is scheduled to retire in March after 36 years of service. His body was handed over to his family on Sunday after a post-mortem examination. “one special investigative unit The investigation team formed to investigate the incident arrested two accused: Mohammad Shakir, a resident of Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmur district and owner of Himachal Fun Care, which operates giant swings; and Nitesh, from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, who worked under Shakir. The role of others is under review,” Faridabad police spokesperson Yash Pal told news agency PTI. The 12 injured include female assistant sub-inspector Neelam, female police officer Sharmila, special constable Rajesh and civilians Harsh Prakash, Prashant, Amisha, Parvinder, Sunil, Shivani, Balbir, Anuj and Pooja. Yashpal said five of them were discharged after treatment. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday directed officials to ensure strict compliance with safety norms at fairs and other public events. Saini said, “The government stands firmly with the family of Jagdish Prasad during this difficult time. Those seriously injured in the accident will get financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each from the state government.” The regional government said the market would continue on Sunday, but the area around the swings had been cordoned off pending an investigation. On Saturday night, Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Singhal announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore to Prasad’s family and a government job to one of his relatives. He also said the inspector would be awarded martyr status. “Inspector Jagdish Prasad made commendable efforts in rescuing the injured while on duty. His death is a profound tragedy for the police department. “The department will provide financial assistance to the family wherever possible and will provide employment opportunities to eligible members under the compassionate leave policy,” the DGP said. Deputy Attorney General Singhal and Faridabad Commissioner Satendra Kumar Gupta met Prasad’s family on Sunday to express their condolences and later went to the hospital to inquire about the injured. Director Tourism Parth Gupta and Faridabad Deputy Commissioner Ayush Sinha also visited the exhibition venue to review security arrangements. Just an hour after the incident, the venue’s gate collapsed, injuring two people, including a child, officials said. The police had earlier formed a four-member special investigation team, headed by DCP (Crime) Mukesh Kumar. The team includes ACP (Crime) Varun Dahiya and Sub-Inspector Sanjay Kumar of Surajkund police station. The SIT is tasked with conducting a detailed investigation to determine whether there was negligence and to check compliance with safety norms. According to the complaint filed by Assistant Sub-Inspector Sunny, he and Inspector Prasad were on duty at the fair when they noticed several people playing on the “Tsunami” swing. Prasad tried to rescue the trapped people when the ride suddenly broke apart in mid-air. The swing then broke off one side and fell, causing serious injuries. Prasad later died in hospital. “The death of the inspector was caused by the failure of Himachal Amusement Park owner Mohammad Shakir and his employees to deliberately endanger people’s lives by not adhering to safety standards,” the ASI said in the complaint. Separately, the district administration has also constituted a commission of inquiry headed by Deputy Commissioner and Mela Administrator Satbir Singh. The team members include DCP Maqsood Ahmed, YMCA University Head of Mechanical Department Arvind Gupta, Executive Engineer (Mechanical) Hitesh Kumar and Executive Engineer (Electrical) Ashwini Gaur.